Sacramento Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Sacramento, CA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
524,943
Total Zone Types
30
Planning Department
Sacramento Community Development Department — Planning Division
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Sacramento County
Metro Area
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom
Sacramento Zoning System
The Sacramento zoning system includes 30 total zone classifications: 10 residential zones (R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-2A, and others) and 4 commercial zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4), as well as 3 mixed-use zones (RMX, TOD, MX) and 2 industrial zones (M-1, M-2). Sacramento uses City Code Title 17 for zoning regulation. As California's state capital and the Sacramento Valley's urban hub, Sacramento covers 100 square miles with a mature urban grid dating to the Gold Rush era. Residential zones range from low-density R-1 (single-family) through R-5 (high-density multifamily). The city is undergoing significant infill and densification near light rail lines (RT Gold Line, Blue Line, Green Line) and the growing Downtown/Midtown urban core. Sacramento adopted a progressive ADU ordinance to leverage California state ADU law maximally. The Tower District, Midtown, and Curtis Park are popular urban neighborhoods with historic Victorian and Craftsman housing stock. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Sacramento Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Sacramento Building Department (Sacramento Community Development Department — Building Division) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (916) 808-8300 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm (public counter); online permit applications 24/7 via Accela portal. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Sacramento Community Development Department — Planning Division at (916) 808-5616. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Building Department
Sacramento Community Development Department — Building Division
(916) 808-8300
Visit WebsitePlanning Department
Sacramento Community Development Department — Planning Division
(916) 808-5616
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Sacramento?
Yes. California state law requires Sacramento to permit ADUs by-right on all residential lots. You can build a detached ADU up to 1,200 sqft, a garage conversion ADU, or a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 sqft within your existing home. No owner-occupancy requirement applies. Sacramento has lower ADU permit fees than Bay Area cities — typically $2,000–$7,500 total. Permits process within 60 days.
What are Sacramento's short-term rental (Airbnb) rules?
Sacramento requires a Short-Term Rental Permit ($200/year) for all rentals under 30 days. Your property must be your primary residence. The city's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at 12% applies to all short-term rental revenue. Airbnb collects and remits TOT for qualifying hosts. Operating without a permit carries fines. Register with Sacramento Finance Department.
Does Sacramento use SMUD or PG&E for electricity?
Sacramento is served by SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District), a publicly-owned electric utility — not PG&E. This matters for solar: SMUD's net metering program is generally more favorable than PG&E's NEM 3.0 program. SMUD also offers periodic solar incentive programs and rebates. Solar permit coordination goes through Sacramento CDD, but interconnection is with SMUD.
What zoning covers single-family homes in Sacramento?
Sacramento's primary single-family zones are R-1, R-1A, and R-1B. R-1 requires standard setbacks (20 ft front, 5 ft sides, 15 ft rear). R-1A allows smaller lots with reduced setbacks (15 ft front, 3 ft sides). R-1B is the most urban infill-friendly single-family zone (10 ft front, 3 ft sides). All three allow one ADU plus one JADU per state law.
Is Sacramento a flood risk area?
Parts of Sacramento have significant flood risk due to its location at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. The Natomas Basin (north of downtown) historically had 100-year flood risk and has been upgraded to 200-year protection. Portions of Sacramento near both rivers remain in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for your specific parcel's flood zone designation before purchasing or building.
Do I need a permit to run a home business in Sacramento?
Yes. A Home Occupation Permit ($125) is required in Sacramento for any business operated from a residence. Restrictions apply: no clients on-site, no non-resident employees, no exterior signs. Business use must be incidental to residential use. Sacramento City Code Section 17.228.200 governs home occupations.
Are solar panels required on new homes in Sacramento?
Yes. California's Title 24 Energy Code requires solar PV on all new low-rise residential construction. Sacramento's extreme summer heat (regularly above 100°F) makes solar especially cost-effective. SMUD's favorable net metering program enhances solar economics. Sacramento has 265+ sunny days per year. New construction solar systems must meet Title 24 minimum sizing requirements.
Source: Sacramento City Code Title 17; California Government Code Section 65852.2. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source